Fleet-Footed Running Back Adds Boost to Duke Football Recruiting Class

At No. 899 overall on the 247Sports 2026 Composite, he currently stacks up seventh among the Blue Devils' eight prizes thus far in the cycle. The first running back to hop on board with what will become Diaz's third Duke football recruiting haul by the time the collection arrives on campus next year to prepare as a unit for its 2026 freshman campaign, Tanelus ranks No. 58 at his position.

Factoring in the addition of Jayvian Tanelus, Duke's 2026 class checks in at No. 56 in the nation, per 247Sports, and No. 13 in the 17-deep ACC. Prosper High School (Texas) offensive lineman Sean Stover remains the only composite four-star prospect in the Blue Devils' expanding bunch.

Tanelus' decision marks the third 2026 Duke football recruiting victory across the first half of June alone. His announcement arrived just a few days after Diaz & Co. secured verbal commitments from Myers Park High School (N.C.) three-star wide receiver Brody Keefe and Central Catholic High School (Pa.) three-star linebacker Colsen Gatten.